AN: Disclaimer- I unfortunately do not own any of these characters, I have just borrowed them for a while :)
chapter 1
Severus sighed as he looked around the empty classroom, lessons over for the day. He couldn't put his finger on it but something was changing, something was happening. The worrying thing was he had no idea whether the change was a good or bad one, he hadn't felt like this since the dark lord had died and he had awoken in the hospital wing, fully expecting to be dead. But no, fate had not been that kind. With a frown he cast another glance around the impeccably clean classroom before sweeping into his chambers.
Hermione groaned as she walked up the hill, surely it hadn't been this high three years ago! Luckily she had the common sense to send her luggage ahead of her. So only she and Crookshanks made the impossibly high climb, Minerva had offered her a coach but as it was the middle of term she hadn't wanted to take up her valuable time or thestrals. Finally the castle came into view, standing alone, the building looked grand and welcoming against the lowering sun. Smiling the castle look the same as it always had to Hermione. Like home.
"Hermione" came a warm voice in greeting, laced with a soft Scottish tone. Standing in the doorway Minerva Mcgonagall looked the same as she ever had, apart from the look in her eyes. The same look everyone who fought in the war had acquired. "Minerva" smiled Hermione "it's great to see you again". The older woman smiled "it's been too long my friend, come, the feast has just started". And with a guiding hand the headmistress helped her former student back into the castle where it had all began.
The school dining hall had changed since Hermione had last been here for a meal, the walls were no longer pale stone but were covered in polished oak panelling, with all the names of those who fought but didn't survive painstakingly scratched and painted onto them. All done the muggle way, to show the dedication and love in each letter. It was once considered that the whole hall should be dedicated to the dead but it was quickly dismissed, it was decided the hall should be filled with students once more, their laughter, love and squabbles. Purely so those gone would not be forgotten and so the dead wouldn't feel so alone, as they would in a cold mournful room.
Smiling up at the Teachers table, she quickly spotted the teachers she knew and the ones she didn't, including her former classmate Neville Longbottom . "Neville" she called and watched his face light up in recognition and surprise. Quickly he stood and moved towards her . "Mione, this is a surprise, when Minerva said she got the best defence teacher around I didn't think she actually got the great Hermione herself! it's good to see you" he whispered to her as he engulfed her in a crushing hug. " shut up I'm only average and you know it! you too!" she replied a grin stretched across her face "how's Luna doing?" . "See for yourself" he said gesturing to where his wife sat in the care of magically creatures seat. Luna grinned and gestured for her to join them, Minerva gave a knowing smile and left them to it, knowing that the friends would want to catch up after such a long time apart.
Hermione felt content, more content then she had felt for months, for once her mind wasn't wondering about the events that took place three years ago, all of the should haves, could haves. Instead her mind was firmly placed in the present and the healthy glow surrounding Luna. "So" she asked when there was a pause in conversation, "how far along are you?" Neville dropped his fork in shock but Luna didn't look at all surprised "about two months" she replied with a dreamy smile on her lips. "That brilliant! I'm so pleased for you" replied Hermione happy for her two friends but also feeling a pang of loneliness, she doubted she'd ever have that kind of relationship with anyone. Not after Ron.
"how did you guess?" asked Neville in wonder. "oh I don't know" teased Hermione "just that your wife's glowing, not drinking, and you keep asking her how she's feeling every five minutes!" laughing Neville turned red and mumbled something about caring about her. Giggling Luna joined in, teasing her husband mercilessly. "alright! alright! I give in" said Neville lifting his hands in surrender. "you're gonna be great parents!" smiled Hermione giving each of them a quick hug.
"Careful Miss Granger" came a long drawl from behind her "you're making Professor Longbottom blush!". With a smile still on her face, she turn to look behind her where Professor Snape stood. He hadn't altered a bit in her eyes. The same black eyes stared at her, penetrating her soul. "Good evening Professor Snape" she said with a grin "how are you?". "Miss Granger" he replied coolly his nostrils flaring "I did not come here for niceties, the headmistress asked me to greet you and make my presence know, that is all" "oh" replied Hermione her tone just as cool as his "still doing everything the head asks of you I see". "child, do not involve yourself in matters you still don't understand" and with a snort of disgust, he swept away his robes billowing.
"What's got into him?" asked Hermione frowning, he'd never been deliberately rude to her before. " I don't know" replied Neville thoughtfully "he's been alright before, and he hated me!". "yes" chirped up Luna "he even offered to brew me some morning sickness potion" . Maybe it was me then thought Hermione but what have I done?.
AN: This is my first fan fiction so I would appreciate any criticism or advice. I know its a slow start but it will get better! Promise!